Tropical Storm Moke swirled near Hawaii, causing heavy rain in Big Island communities still recovering from Hurricane Lala. On Sunday morning, the National Hurricane Center reported that Moke was approximately 310 miles south of Hilo. The storm’s maximum sustained winds reached 45 mph, stirring up significant concerns regarding rainfall. Areas affected by Lala faced downed trees, disrupted power lines, and damaged infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Two hurricane-related fatalities were previously reported.
Forecasters anticipated Moke would bring about 10 inches of rainfall across the Big Island, with some areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. This level of precipitation posed severe risks of flooding and mudslides, particularly on the windward and southeast slopes, and in steep terrains impacted by Lala. Eastern Maui expected up to 6 inches of rain, while other islands were projected to receive an inch or two, according to the hurricane center.
Like Hurricane Lala, the Big Island was forecasted to endure the most significant effects of Moke. The weather service documented 43.54 inches of rain from Lala along the northeast coast of the Big Island. As of Sunday, more than 6,700 customers, predominantly on the Big Island, remained without power, according to poweroutage.us.
Although no coastal watches or warnings were enforced, residents were advised to monitor the storm. Hawaii Governor Josh Green, along with state officials, held a news conference urging residents to prepare by restocking essential supplies. Tiffany Edwards Hunt, a teacher in Keaau, described a palpable sense of anxiety among residents facing further rainfall.
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